NFL Scouting Combine opens Feb. 22

Between now and Feb. 22, football players with NFL dreams will polish their resume, sharpen their personality skills and hone their athletic ability to a fine edge. They won't just be marking Washington's Birthday; they will be moving toward the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

The annual talent show for athletes eligible for the NFL Draft will be held in Indianapolis at the site of Super Bowl XLVI, Lucas Oil Field. Hundreds of players will be invited to attend, and every team will have its coaches, management and medical people on hand.

Players from expected No. 1 pick Andrew Luck to Mr. Irrelevant to dozens of players who won't make the big show figure to be poked, prodded, weighed, measured, psychoanalyzed and scrutinized in the nth detail.

Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande will add depth to his mock drafts with information gleaned from the combine. SN writers will provide coverage of the proceedings, all to help prepare for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Testing runs through Feb. 28 and includes speed, strength and skills tests on the field; the Wonderlic intelligence test; and team interviews.